Versatility of capsular flaps in the salvage of exposed breast implants.

Breast implant exposure due to poor tissue coverage or previous irradiation represents a surgicalchallenge both in the reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery practice. In case of implant extrusion orincipient exposure, the commonly suggested strategies, such as targeted antibiotic therapy, drainage and lavageof the cavity, fistulectomy, and primary closure, may be ineffective leading the surgeon to an unwanted implantremoval or to adopt more invasive flap coverage procedures. Breast implant capsule, in its physiological clinicalbehavior, can be considered as a new reliable source of tissue, which can be used in a wide range of clinicalsituations. In our hands, capsular flaps proved to be a versatile solution not only to treat breast contour deformitiesor inframammary fold malpositions but also to salvage exposed breast implants. In this scenario, the useof more invasive surgical techniques can be avoided or simply saved and delayed for future recurrences.